So tonight we went to a ceremony where Andy was officially presented his lst degree black belt in tae kwon do. It was a very nice event, complete with a speech from his sister, introducing her brother and talking about what Andy has meant to her.
Triple hanky warning!! His mom had mascara running all over the place.
Kellie stepped up to the podium and spoke:
"Andy, what can I say about you? I know that you have changed a lot over the years.
We started Tae Kwon Do together at Park's and felt like we were learning so much.
Then, we left and came to Self Defense America. Turns out we didn't know all that much about Tae Kwon Do. Master Doty & Master Baldwin taught us so much.
I've seen how Tae Kwon Do has changed you physically and emotionally. I never thought in all my years of living with you that you would ever be able to do everything that you do. I never thought you would be able to push people to keep going like you do now. I never thought you would be able to teach people and help people, in Tae Kwon Do and the real world.
Tae Kwon Do has made you grow as an individual. I've probably seen you grow more than anyone else because I live right across the hall. I know I've never said this, and if you tell anyone at school I said this I'll be very mad at you,....but I look up to you.
Not just because your a good 7 inches taller than me, but because of Tae Kwon Do.
I go to you to help me with my forms and because your good at Tae Kwon Do.
You've turned out to be a lot better at Tae Kwon Do then I ever thought you'd be.
You're leaving in less than a year to go up to college in New Jersey. I know that you will take all that you've learned in Tae Kwon Do mentally and physically and use it wisely.
Andy, you've learned a lot and grown so much. I'm so proud of y;ou, Mom & Jeff are proud of you and I know Master Doty & Master Baldwin are proud of you.
Mom & Jeff love you, and I know I don't say this a lot, but I love you too Andy."
Kellie then turned to Andy.....and bowed. That's what Tae Kwon Do students do to black belts. Even little sisters.
Later,
Jeff
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
ok.....my mascara is dripping! That was totally beautiful and selfless and insightful. You all have becomme a really wonderful example of families as they should be - all pulling together for the greater good to help each other maximize their greatest potentials. It all begins at the top with two people whose love transends the limits of most.
Kim and Jeff deserve a han d for being parents of the year! These awards tonite are the result of many sacrifices on their parts and a committment to win.
Andy and Kellie have done the tough stuff. They have stepped outside their comfort zones and pushed themselves to greatness.... Andy got the award tonite and he truly earned it. But Kellie was a winner tonite also showing gracious and wise maturity and love. The honing of her stage presence and discipline were evident.
Yes! We have two "rock-stars" in the family. Woo hoo!
Post a Comment